Comments

The City's website - www.bristoltn.org - has a convenient tab at the top of the home page to facilitate contact with us by telephone, mail, or electronic mail.

Two electronically-sent comments came in this past day complimenting the Police Department for assistance rendered on two separate incidents - a family stranded on Christmas Eve as the result of a vehicle accident and an 18-wheeler that ended-up lost in a residential neighborhood and unable to find its way back safely to the highway.

In the first instance, the commenter remarked "Police are under a lot of pressure right now to do the right thing, respecting the public and ensuring our safety. It was the actions of your officers on Christmas Eve that reminded me just how vital they are to any community, and you should be extremely proud of the force looking out for you."

In the second instance, the trucker shared "I just got deeper and deeper in trouble until I was in a serious situation that I was trying to avoid. I had to call for help. The officers came to my rescue and got me to the highway which was where I needed to be. The only thing that got torn up was my nerves. I don't know the names of the three officers who came to help me but please advise your police department that I thank them from the bottom of my heart."

It's always refreshing to hear these stories and to know that our employees are working hard every day to serve our residents and visitors. Thank you Chief Blaine Wade - and the men and women of the Bristol Police Department - for the job you do so well.

Ahoy matey

Have you ever stopped to think how many decisions you make in the course of a work day?

Some decisions are simple and with limited significance - which letter gets written first and which phone call gets returned next. Other decisions can be complex requiring careful thought and consideration. And then there's the third category - the vast decision-land in between.

The challenge is in distinguishing between the three - a skill which is harder than it may seem. After all the tip of the iceberg seemed harmless enough to the RMS Titanic crew.

So be thoughtful in all your decisions - but don't dwell too long.

Stone Castle

One of the city's icons is the Stone Castle at Tennessee High School - a stadium built by the Works Progress Administration as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal."

The Castle opened its doors in October 1936 - 75 years ago and counting.

An ambitious plan is underway by the Stone Castle Rejuvenation Committee to undertake a major fundraiser leading to the upgrade and enhancement of this venerable facility.

The proposed improvements are many and include:

 Improved handicapped accessibility
 Renovation and addition of restrooms
 Upgrade of existing seating
 The addition of end zone seating
 New concession and souvenir stands
 Construction of a new home team dressing room and training room
 Improvement of the visitor dressing room
 Upgraded lighting for energy efficiency
 Refurbishment of the entrances and plaza
 Installation of a synthetic playing surface

The City Council previously committed to fund 25% of the cost of a synthetic playing surface provided the remaining 75% was raised by the school system and supporters.

The school system and supporters are now taking the project to a much higher level - a multimillion dollar level.

For this we wish them great success.

Rx

56 degrees Farenheit / 13.3 Celsius on January 7 - not bad. Actually great (unless you run one of the ski resorts about an hours drive away).

So what do you do on a beautiful January day in Bristol - head over to Steele Creek Park, of course.

Today the Lake Ridge Trail came into play - 2.2 miles up and down and around the knobs from the Rooster Front trailhead. Then a hike across the bridge past the Nature Center, Lodge, and playground to the Wedding Chapel bridge. Then another 1.9 miles along the flat Lakeside Trail back to Rooster Front.

All told - about 5 miles.

Passed several other folks doing the same thing - enjoying a great park on a mild January day.

The ski slopes will do just fine this winter I'm sure - but for now, the 50's F / 13's C are just what the doctor ordered.

Legislative agenda

Each year a legislative policy agenda is developed by the cities of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City to provide a unified position regarding key legislative initiatives affecting the Tri-Cities.

A luncheon was held with area legislators today to formally present the 2012 legislative policy which includes nineteen (19) policy objectives grouped into six subject areas: (1) Education, (2) Public Safety, (3) Economic Development, (4) Unfunded Mandates and Local Control, (5) Transportation, and (6) Local Revenue.

Now the hard work comes for our legislative delegation - to advance the various initiatives identified and, as importantly, to stave off any bad bills that will be introduced in Nashville this session.

We are truly fortunate to have such a qualified and capable group of state senators and representatives serving our communities in this session of the 107th General Assembly.

Thanks in advance to each of you for your outstanding service to our communities.

Senators
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (District 2)
Rusty Crowe (District 3)
Mike Faulk (District 4)

Representatives
Jon Lundberg (District 1)
Tony Shipley (District 2)
Scotty Campbell (District 3)
Kent Williams (District 4)
David Hawk (District 5)
Dale Ford (District 6)
Matthew Hill (District 7)
Michael Harrison (District 9)

Meeting

Last night was the first Tuesday of the month so the regular monthly meeting of the City Council took place at its normal time and place - 7:00 p.m. at the Slater Center.

The meeting lasted about 90 minutes or so - just about right for an agenda including 13 action items, three appointments to boards and commission, two public hearings, and two presentations. Plus a few other miscellaneous items to address and approve.

The Council rezoned property; updated two chapters of the code of ordinances on building regulations and sidewalk cafe permits; awarded several bids and purchases; and accepted a grant in support of the farmers market. The State Street Farmers Market is always of great interest to City Council and they are always appreciative of state funds made available to promote the market in the coming year.

The citizens attending the meeting braved a cold night - the first real cold weather of the winter by my recollection. Probably seemed colder than it was since it was the first of the year - but there is more to come.

I guess we'd better get use to it for awhile as we do enjoy four seasons in Bristol - but thankfully the winter gives way to spring without much of a fight.

Another good reason to live in Bristol.

Sync

New year's day.

Seems like we just did this - was it really one year ago? Time passes so quickly.

2012 is a leap year - so this year will seem much longer. That extra day will come in handy - a bonus day not to squander away meaninglessly - so plan early and use it wisely.

Another way to stay in sync with the solar calendar is to add 4 hours every year - but that would give payroll personnel fits I'm sure.

So what to do with that extra Wednesday in February? I'll be thinking about that - and you do the same.